What’s changing in 2018? Essentially nothing. I think the rules laid out last year were sound. There’s always going to be some grumbles, but remember, it’s a “Challenge”. They ain’t always easy. 😉

But I am a benevolent dictator, and I do welcome your feedback. Any issues with the rules that prevented or limited your participation last year? Any issues that may prevent you from participating in 2018? (And please remember: You can participate in this challenge ANYWHERE ON EARTH, so there is no geographical restriction or location cop-out. No need to ask me silly questions like “I’m in Upper Volta. Can I participate?” unless you want me to respond, “It’s been called Burkina Faso since 1984!”) Or, do you have suggestions on how to make Three Speed Adventure April 2018 even better?

Well, let me know!

But there’s a caveat. There’s a Challenge to Challenge the Challenge. You can only get in touch with me via two means:

Write me via post. Yes, a letter or postcard, something you put a stamp on. (Meaning, not free!) And please remember to include contact info, like your postal address. Sure, you can leave your email, but wouldn’t you rather get a cool postcard back? All correspondence needs to reach me no later than Tuesday March 20, 2018 for me to consider changes to the 2018 challenge.

Talk to me during the Three Speed Get-Together here in Portland on Sunday February 25. Remember: I take bribes in beer.

However you choose to contact me, please be specific and constructive. Just saying “It’s too hard” isn’t helpful. Why was it hard? And please, if you didn’t participate in 2017, please send comments/feedback if you intend or are interested in doing it in 2018. (Or 2019, or 2020.)

But remember this: Comments via email, the comment section here, or other electronic means will NOT be counted. If you want me to change something about this challenge, you gotta put in a little bit more effort than that.

Okay! So if you want to write me, here’s the address:

SHAWN GRANTON

P O BOX 14185

PORTLAND OR 97293-0185

And just to be clear: This has nothing to do with registering for this year’s Challenge. No need to register for Three Speed Adventure April right now. No need to even say that you are. I’ll have full registration info online by the end of March.

Hello folks! As spring continues to march its way towards us, now is the time to have a Society of Three Speeds events. Not a ride just yet, but a get-together!

Join us on Sunday February 25th at 6 PM at venerable Velo Cult Bike Shop Thing plus Tavern Type Thing, 1969 NE 42nd Ave in Portland’s Hollywood District. We’ll hang out indoors for a couple hours, drink beer, and talk three speeds. If we feel so inclined, maybe we’ll take a short spin afterwards. So bring your three speed!

Pertinent points of this gathering:

There will be trivia! And possibly a few prizes with trivia.

We’ll talk about the upcoming Three Speed Adventure April Challenge.

We’ll also check in on upcoming Society of Three Speed activities.

Also worth noting: On Saturday February 24, Velocirque will be happening at Velo Cult! This is a vintage bike show happening from 3 to 8 PM. This time around, they are specifically encouraging three speeds to show up and strut their stuff! So don’t be shy, bring down your trusty three speed to be ogled by others. (Having a kickstand is a definite plus.) There’ll be a ride meeting at the shop at 10 AM before the main event.